|
|
Battered Women and Substance Abuse
|
“Husbands often suggest that they beat their wives because their wives drink.
But several studies have shown that many battered women start drinking subsequent to the battering. So, it may be defensive behavior on the part of women, trying to cope with an intolerable situation.”
- Linda Salzman, PhD, criminologist
at the Centers for Disease Control |
- 33% of battered women suffer depression.
- Suicide attempts are common.
- 26% of all women who attempt suicide are victims of domestic violence.
- Most suicide attempts are “cries for help.”
- 10% of all battered women abuse drugs or alcohol.
- Most medications abused are:
- Sedatives
- Pain medications
- Anti-anxiety medications
- 50% of all alcoholic or addicted women are victims of domestic violence.
- Substance abuse adds more problems for the victim because:
- There is less resistance from the victim
- It gives more power to the abuser
- The victim feels like they ‘deserve' the abuse
- There is less support from the victim's family
- The victim tends to ignore the home, bills, children, etc.
- Similarities between substance abuse and domestic violence:
- Affects entire families
- Negatively impacts a pregnancy
- Strong denial tendencies
- Blames others
- Thrives on isolation, shame, and silence
- Social stigma
If you would like more information about A Safe Place, please call us at 847-731-7165 or email us at info@asafeplaceforhelp.org. |
 |
A Safe Place provides individual and group counseling to victims of domestic violence in both the residential and nonresidential programs.
The 24-hour HELP LINE, 847-249-4450; TTY 847-249-6557, can provide assistance in accessing services.
Related Domestic Violence Safety Facts
|
|
